Chapter 21: Why?
Shaina and I had been dating for a few weeks. It was the happiest I had ever been in my entire life. I was afraid it wouldn't last. It was too good.
Shaina and I lay wrapped up on her couch watching 19 Kids and Counting. I never did understand this show. Who in their right mind would want 19 kids?!
“Hey you want to go to the carnival?” I asked Shaina as I absentmindedly stroked her hair.
She rolled over and grinned at me. “Sure. That sounds fun. But I promised my mom I’d go see one of her patients who is freaking out over hernia surgery. Apparently it’s a guy my age.”
I felt a slight ping of jealousy. I frowned. “Should I be worried?”
She leaned forward and kissed me lightly. “Not at all, babe. How about I meet you there at seven?”
I grinned. “It’s a date.” Man, was I a lucky guy.
I hung out with the guys all day until it was time to meet Shaina.
I drove through the field until I found a parking spot. I pulled in and checked my watch 6:55.
I waited by the entrance for what seemed like forever. I kept checking and checking my watch. It was half past seven.
I felt someone tap my arm. I turned expecting to see Shaina. But I saw Alice instead, dressed in an outfit that should just be considered underwear. “Meeting someone?” She asked casually.
“Uh, I’m supposed to be meeting Shaina. She just must be late.” I told her quickly wanting to end the conversation.
“Matthew,” she said sounding sad, “there’s something I should tell you. When I came in, I saw Shaina making out with another guy.”
For a split second I was hurt but then I remembered this was the girl that tried to have Shaina assaulted. I became angry. “You’re such a liar, Alice. Leave me alone.”
I tried to walk away but she gabbed my arm. “If you don’t believe me then you won’t mind if I show you where I saw them?”
I stopped and thought. Why should I believe her...? But I nodded. Alice took my hand and dragged me away. She was talking the whole way but I just zoned her out.
Alice suddenly stopped and pointed at too figures hidden in the shadow of one of the tents.
It was Shaina. Kissing another guy. I couldn’t help but gasp. “Shaina?” I asked still shocked.
She shoved the boy away. She drug the back of her hand across her mouth. “Matthew, it’s not what it looks like!”
“I have eyes, Shaina!” I screamed hurt. I felt tears forming in my eyes. I looked down quickly. “Damn it.” I muttered. I just couldn’t believe she would do this. I love her. I gathered my thoughts and looked back up at her. I said something I never thought I would say so soon, “We’re done, Shaina.” I turned and left.
I heard Shaina call my name but I kept walking.
When I got home, I followed in my dad’s footsteps and drowned my emotions in liquor.